The creepy crawlies! Is that a name you are familiar with? Just like the common house lizard, the exotic-looking iguana, or the clever crocodile, there are several members of the animal kingdom out there that can be categorised as reptiles. Let us teach the kids some common and exotic reptile names in English.
What Are Reptiles?
Reptiles are a type of vertebrate in the animal kingdom with common characteristics like scaly skin, bony plates and cold blood. They are the most commonly four-legged creatures that can be found in all regions of the world. They are classified, as such, based on their evolution. Their common ancestor dates back over 300 million years. Evolving into various species from this ancestor, today, you can notice reptiles with various similar characteristics. Therefore, there are a few common traits in all reptiles.
Characteristic Of Reptiles
Let us look at a few characteristics that make reptiles stand apart from other species and those that can group them together as one similar category.
- Reptiles can be identified by their rough scales. Their skin is covered in rough horny layers of scales, bony plates, or even a combination of the two.
- Reptiles shed their skin regularly throughout their lifetime, especially during the adolescent phase. It decreases once the reptiles reach adulthood.
- Reptiles are cold-blooded. They naturally have a low metabolic rate, which helps conserve energy.
- All reptiles breathe through their lungs.
What Are The Types Of Reptiles?
There are four different types of reptiles:
1. Crocodilia: It consists of alligators, caimans, crocodiles, and Gavialis (gharials).
2. Sphenodontia: It consists of two species of tuataras found in New Zealand.
3. Squamata: It consists of various species of lizards, snakes, and worm lizards.
4. Testudines: It consists of turtles, terrapins, and tortoises.
List Of Reptiles Names For Kids
In this section, we will look at the reptile names list with pictures that will help the kids to familiarise and associate with the name of some common reptiles.
1. Crocodile
A large reptile that lives partially in the water. Crocodiles are common in America, Australia, Africa, and Asia. Their V-shaped snout distinguishes them from alligators.
2. Alligator
Only two species of alligators are alive today, the American alligator and the Chinese alligator. Alligators have a U-shaped snout and overhanging teeth that fit into their lower jaw.
3. Snakes
Snakes are a group of reptiles that lacks arms and legs. There are around 3,900 species of snake around the globe, inhabiting every continent, excluding Antarctica.
4. Worm Lizard
Worm lizards do not have any arms or legs. They have right lungs that are reduced in size, whereas true snakes have smaller left lungs.
5. Tortoise
Tortoises are slow-moving, hard-shelled, long-living species of the Testudines family. They have been known to live for over 150 years.
6. Caimans
Caimans are smallish, short-snouted crocodilians who eat insects, lizards, amphibians, mammals, fish, and snakes. These reptiles can be found in the Caribbean and Central and South America.
7. Gavialis
Gavialis are long-snouted crocodilians that eat fish, frogs, and crustaceans. The Gavialis consists of two species: the gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) and the false gharial (Tomistoma schelegelii).
8. Lizards
Lizards are members of the Draco genus of reptiles that are known to fly. But in reality, they do not fly and use their ribs to glide from tree to tree.
9. Chameleon
Chameleons are reptiles that have a tendency to change their body colour according to the situation. They have long and sticky tongues that they use to grab their prey.
10. Turtle
Turtles are a unique group of reptiles that have been around for 100 million years. They are air-breathing reptiles who inhabit tropical and subtropical ocean waters of the world.
11. Komodo Dragon
Komodo dragons capture their prey live by hiding in ambush and then charging their victims, although their primary food source is carrion.
12. Alligator Snapping Turtle
Alligator snapping turtles have powerful jaws, and their shell resembles the scales of an alligator. The turtles can be found in freshwater bodies throughout the Southeast United States.
13. Green Iguana
Known for their bright green or orange scales, Green Iguanas are native to South and Central America. These iguanas can reach up to almost 5 feet long when fully grown.
14. Mamba
The Mamba is a venomous arboreal snake that has green or black-coloured skin. They are fast, nervous snakes found in the Sub-Saharan African region.
15. Marine Iguana
Marine iguanas feed on marine algae that they gather while foraging in cold waters. It is a species of iguana that can only be found on the Galápagos Islands.
Other Reptiles Names
Here are some more reptile animal names that you can teach your child.
- Anaconda
- Anole
- Asp
- Basilisk
- Black Racer
- Boa
- Boomslang
- Carapace
- Constrictor
- Copperhead
- Cottonmouth
- Hellbender
- Massasauga
- Puff Adder
- Shink
- Slow Worm
- Taipan
- Thorny Devil
- Timber Rattler
- Viper
Interesting Facts About Reptiles For Kids
- Some turtles can stay underwater for 24 hours.
- Some reptiles, like crocodiles and alligators, can live on one meal for a few months at a time.
- Gecko lizards are the smallest lizards and are just 2 cm in length.
- Crocodilians are known to grow their entire life.
- King cobra’s venom is powerful enough to kill an elephant.
Reptiles are truly unique animals that kids must know about. We hope you will find the reptiles examples with names mentioned above helpful in teaching your child about reptiles. Test your child’s understanding of reptiles by asking them the name of some reptiles.
Also Read:
Teaching Kids About Amphibians and their Types
Names of Endangered Animals for Children
Animals Group Names for Kids in English
